General South African Information

Language

Although there are 11 official languages in South Africa, English is the country’s primary language. It is the country’s business language and all signage is displayed in English. The official language of Water Loss 2018 is English.

Visas

All delegates will be personally responsible for ensuring that they are in possession of the correct documentation prior to their departure. The organisers do not accept responsibility for any consequences whatsoever from a delegate failing to ensure that he or she has complied with the necessary health, passport and visa requirements.

Applications for visas should be submitted to the nearest South African diplomatic or consular representative abroad.
Please contact the Conference Secretariat if you require a visa letter to assist you in the process.

Immunization

Entering South Africa does not require any form of immunization. However, a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required of travelers entering South Africa within six days of leaving an infected country. Visitors who travel through or disembark in such countries are advised to be inoculated against Yellow Fever prior to visiting South Africa.
Certain areas of South Africa are subject to Malaria before entering these specific areas; visitors should consult a doctor or pharmacist to obtain appropriate medication.
Click here for more information www.travelclinic.co.za

Customs

Entry into South Africa is subject to customs clearance. Information regarding the temporary importation of goods, such as exhibition materials is available through the Department of Customs and Excise. Customs duty will be levied against any and all items which exceed identified limits. Payment of such duties is, in most instances, required prior to departure from the customs area.

Currency

The South African currency is known as the Rand (ZAR), which utilizes the decimal system, with one Rand being equal to 100 cents. Foreign exchange facilities are available at the airport and all major banks are located in the nearby Century City Mall.
All major credit cards and travelers cheques are widely accepted in and around Cape Town.

Indemnity

While every care is being taken in all arrangements, please note that the organisers will not be liable for any accidents, loss of / damage during the conference period. Delegates must make their own personal insurance arrangements.

Insurance

By your acceptance and payment of registration you accept the terms and conditions laid down by the Organising Committee and any of its service providers. You must ensure that you have adequate personal insurance to cover your travel and medical as neither the Organising Committee nor any of its service providers can be held liable for loss or injury while at the conference or on any of its tours or activities.

Taxation

Visitors to South Africa may claim a refund of the Value Added Tax (currently 14%), paid for items purchased in South Africa. Such claims should be made upon the visitor’s departure from South Africa at the airport.

Electricity

South Africa’s electricity supply is 220/230 volts, AC 50Hz. US/UK – made appliances may require a transformer in order to operate in South Africa.

Medical Services

Medical services are of a high standard and most international prescription drugs are readily available through retail pharmacies. It is suggested that you take out personal medical insurance for the duration of your trip.

Time

South Africa is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GCMT), one hour ahead of Central European Winter Time and seven hours ahead of Eastern Standard Winter Time, USA.

Weather

Weather in Cape Town in May is usually sunny but cool with blue skies and sporadic periods of rain settling in the city bowl area. The average maximum daytime temperature in Cape Town in May is a comfortable 19°C (66°F). There are usually 6 hours of bright sunshine each day, which represents 60% of the 10 hours of daylight.
A real-time view of SA weather via radar and satellite, as well as weather information for all areas of SA are available online.
Click here for more information www.weathersa.co.za

Disability Access

The conference venue is designed to cater for people with disabilities If you have any specific needs, please contact the conference secretariat or indicate it during your online registration.

Safety & Security

For those participants who have not previously visited South Africa, or Cape Town, and are concerned about personal safety, we wish to assure all visitors that Cape Town is like any other major city with good and bad areas. Common sense will ensure a trouble free and enjoyable trip. The area around the Century City Convention Centre and adjacent hotels is safe and well monitored at all times but we advise that you do not walk alone after dark in unpopulated streets. Ostentatious displays of wealth should be avoided at all times. During the conference, the information desk at the Century City Convention Centre and your hotel’s concierge will be able to assist you with information on places to visit and the appropriate means of transport.